The HSE are to implement Smoking Cessation Campaign in Roscommon Psychiatric Unit and the Units in Galway and Ballinasloe.
In a statement release a short time ago they said that as the leading healthcare provider, they are committed to reducing the use of tobacco and its harmful health effects. As the national body responsible for health promotion, health protection and prevention of illnesses and disease, the HSE is implementing the Tobacco Control Framework 2010 which is based on international best practice within the approved psychiatric admission units of Galway, Ballinasloe and Roscommon from March 31st.
As the national body responsible for health promotion, health protection and prevention of illnesses and disease, the HSE aims to create a healthy environment for our service users, visitors, employees, volunteers and everyone who comes on our campuses. Tobacco free health care settings are consistent with international best practice, providing a supportive environment for smokers to quit. The policy will help change social norms around tobacco use, treat tobacco addiction as a health care issue, and promote smoking cessation by actively advising, encouraging and supporting people to quit smoking. This will contribute to quality care for all.
John Meehan, Area Manager said, “The smoking cessation campaign within the approved units of Galway, Ballinasloe & Roscommon helps to highlight the importance of protecting ones physical health. We are delighted to be taking part in the development and roll-out of this campaign and we are fully committed to its implementation from March 31st 2016. We understand that it is difficult for smokers to quit but ultimately quitting has huge health benefits for the smoker themselves and for the health of their family. We are appealing for people to support us. This is about improving the health of our service users and staff and ensuring quality care for all and we are appealing for support for the initiative”.
The Tobacco Free Campus Policy applies to all staff, patients/service users, visitors, contractors and other persons who enter HSE grounds and facilities for any purpose. The policy prohibits smoking anywhere on the campus including doorways, entrances, walkways, roads, and car parks, cars parked on HSE campus grounds, bicycle sheds and bus shelters on HSE grounds.
The HSE will continue to provide service users with all the support they need including advice, information and smoking cessation support and tobacco dependence treatments to help deal with the cravings. Staff also will be offered assistance to quit smoking, or manage their smoking during working hours.